2010 Medical Marijuana Honors Names Winners

The Marijuana Business Reporter has named the first winners of the Medical Marijuana Honors, celebrating the top contributors to the mainstreaming of the emerging medical marijuana industry.

More than 5,000 votes were cast in an online poll of the web site’s readers, who were assisted by a panel of judges to select the winners.

The honors are given to the businesses, non-profits, government entities and other organizations that have made the greatest impact in the last year toward greater understanding, standards and progress in moving medical marijuana into the mainstream.

Winners will be honored at a private reception in Hollywood next month.

The Marijuana Business Reporter is the trade publication of the industry’s emerging mainstream.

2010 MEDICAL MARIJUANA HONORS

Government Official:
John Duran, West Hollywood, CA

The city councilman and longtime medical marijuana activist was the first politician in Southern California to endorse The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. “During Prohibition, the most dangerous form of underground alcohol was ‘moonshine’ that was unregulated and sometimes fatal,” Duran said. “The ‘reefer madness’ mentality of our failed criminalization of marijuana must come to an end just as prohibition did.” At a time when prominent voices are needed, he stepped out.

Activist:
Richard Lee, Oakland, CA

The leader of the famed Oaksterdam neighborhood and prime mover in the Tax and Regulate Cannabis movement, Lee has a long history of medical marijuana innovation. Now, with his move to get legalization on the ballot, he’s at least created talking points for the movement and underlined that legalization is favored by a good percentage of the U.S. population.

Non-Profit Policy Organization:
Americans For Safe access Oakland, CA

The largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research, the organization was highly active in backing down Los Angeles law authorities as they attempted to crack down on the city’s medical marijuana community. ASA has over 30,000 active members with chapters and affiliates in more than 40 states.

Retail Dispensary:
Emerald Cross, Seattle, WA

Using the slogan “It’s not just about smoking it anymore!” this Seattle dispensary is focus on alternatives to smoking including topical applications, oral sprays and tinctures, edibles, tea, capsules and more. Their web site says: “We eat it, we drink it, we wear it, we soak in it and we smoke it.”

Business of the Year:
Highgrade Seeds, Vancouver, Canada

Operates a very comprehensive website that includes a detailed how-to for new growers and info on the characteristics of various strands. Said a reader: “This seed bank has great service, products and value for the novice and experienced grower. I haven’t used any other seed banks as a new grower, but I am consistently impressed with this company. ”

Top Web Site:
weedmaps.com, Southern California

Easy-to-use website produces maps with the location of dispensaries and MD’s that give recommendations.

Top Publication:
Kush, Southern California

The glossy magazine is a hugh player in Southern California and plans to expand nationally as medical marijuana rolls out in other states. Its editorial content is focused on educating consumers and advocating for patients

Person of the Year:
Madeline Martinez, Oregon NORML

Team has done an outstanding job in the local community sefering patients while pushing for grassroots initiatives to tax and regulate legalization.

Attorney of the Year:
Douglas Hiatt, Seattle, WA

Spent the majority of his career serving as a public defender. Most recently with Northwest Defender Association in Seattle, and with the Skagit County Public Defender’s Office.

Best Food Products
Stirrin’ Da Pot, West Hollywood, CA

Chef/owner Bobby Greig set out to elevate cannabis cooking when his elderly father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Greig then began his journey from concerned son to chef-owner of a burgeoning edible marijuana business.

Public Relations:
Gaynell Rogers Media Relations

A pioneer in bringing mainstream attention to the emerging medical marijuana industry.